Electric pull chain snap switch



p 1934- s L. SNEIERSON 1,973,730

ELECTRIC PULL CHAIN SNAP SWITCH Fiied May 23, 1931 I" .10 ,1! fig .12 42 36 36' fiawbn Inventor F9132 Z2 flaznue/Lfieeierson Patented Sep 1,973,730

UNiTs ewes PATENT oFFics Samuel L. Sneierson, Roxbury, Mass., assignor to McGill Manufacturing 00., a. corporation of Indiana I Application May 23, 1931, Serial No. 539,588

9 Claims. (Cl. 200-64) This invention relates generally to electric disc andtheactuating and centering pin or post. switches, and more particularly to a switch of Fig. 15 isa detail of the actuating or centering the pull chain snap switch type. pin, or post.

One of the objects of this invention isto pro- Fig. 16 is an end elevation of Fig. 15 showing vide an. improved switch of simple construction, the square portion of the actuating post. 7 50 positive in operation and comparatively inex- Fig. 17 is a detail of the plate for anchoring pensive to manufacture. i one end of the spring.

A further object is to provide a snap switch Fig. 18 is an elevation of the coil spring for of the pull chain type in which the parts are so actuating the snap switch mechanism. constructed and arranged as to enable the parts Fig. 19 is a vertical section showing the assem- 85 to be conveniently assembled in a small space'so bly of the base with the spring contacts and star as to enable a thin model type switch to be made. Wheel therein, a a so showing t p su at A further object is to provide a pull chain type ing washer, ratchet disc and chain actuated plate switchadapted to be mounted in a casing, the having the detent or paw C p r With the construction being such that the cap provided otched ratchet disc shown in Fig. 13 for actuat- Z0 in the assembly for the main switch construction, ing the star Wheel interrupter.

also serves as the cap or cover for the case in al s-.201 an le o Showing the assembly which the switch is mounted. of th sp n the p s d t p a at pp sit A further object of this invention is to provide ends of the spring in Which the spring ends are 20 a simple and compact construction in a pull chain anchored. n 5 type switch employing a spring, in which the Fig. 21 is aside elevation of the bottom chain spring adjustment may be readily made. j p s w in F 2.

One selected embodiment of the invention is i 2215 a p P Of the Chain p a Which shown in the accompanying drawing, as hereinengages One v 0f the p g 25 after described, for purposes of illustration. 3 i an assembly in elevation showing the 80 In the drawing: I various switch parts in their proper relative posi- Fi 1 i an end d ti h i th it h tion before the cap is, drawn into proper relative mounted in the casing. position on the base.

Fig. 2 is a top plan of Fig. 1. In the drawing, Fig. 1 shows the casing 1 hav- Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the cap with the ihaan ut t u d 2 for t pu chain h as spacing lugs in which the terminal blocks are Caslhg is wn as being generally oval in pe molded v as more clearly shown in Fig. 2 and is provided Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section through the cas- With extending protruding portions 4 at h ing showing the insulating liningtherein. ends of the casing adapted to accommodate the Fig. 5 is an end elevation ofthe switch assembly cehnection of Wires leading to the switch meehshowing one terminal. anism mounted on the under side of the cap 5 Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the switch casing. Which discloses the normaIly p pp r s d f Fig. '7 is a detail elevation showing one of the -C T Cap 5lcollespohds in al to terminal lugs of the switch to which a wire may the o of the s T ds of the ap ar 40 be Connected recessed or cut back as at 6 in ,order to afford i 3 i a i elevation of Fig 7 room for and facilitate the entrance of the wire Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the base of th connections to the screws '7 which are threaded switch showing the spring contacts and the in the terminal Plate (See ig. 5.)

ratchet or star wheel for establishing and intern opening 9 is formed in One Side of the cas- 45 fuming the Circuit. I ing to receive the chain guide 2. The cap 5 with Fi 10 i d mn of an insulating h the switch mechanism mounted on the under side Fi 11 i a d t il of a t h t di thereof, may be secured in position on the casing Fig 12 is a i l ti of Fig 11 l by suitable means. As shown, deformable lugs Fig. 13 is a top plan showing the assembly of 10 on the casing, a be bent over the ap.

5 the ratchet disc and the insulating washer in its P e y, the p is ssed s as to form deproper relative position upon the base with the pressions 11 in which the lugs 10 may b posiswitch mechanism therein as shown in Fig. 9. tioned.

Fig. 14 is a side elevation of the assembly of the The cap 5 on the under side thereof is proratchet star wheel interrupter shown in Fig. 9, vided with projections or lugs 12 which lugs are together with the insulating washer, the ratchet spaced inwardly from the ends of the cap and adjacent to the recessed portion 6 so as to provide a means for receiving the terminal plates 8. The cap and lugs 12 are formed of insulating material and are preferably molded as one integral member. The terminal plate 8 is also molded within the lug 12. Integral with the plate 8, is a portion 13 which is oifset somewhat from the plate 8 and which is bent at an angle thereto which is imbedded or molded in the lug 12, the bent ofiset angular portion 13 being threaded and serving as a mechanical connection for terminal posts 14 extending upwardly through the switch base 15 and through openings 16 in the lugs 12. The angular offset portion 13 on the terminal plate 8 also serves as an electrical connection between the terminal post 14 and the spring contact 17 positioned in a recess 18 in the base, the spring contact 17 being in contact with the post 14. The lugs 12 also serve as spacing means .between the base 15 and the cap 5.

A suitable insulating lining 20 is formed around the sides of the casing, such insulating lining being deformed or pressed outwardly in the projecting or extending portions 4 of the casing. Preferably, the insulating lining projects upward above the normal height of the casing at the point where it is pressed within the extensions 4, as indicated at 19 in Figs. 2'and 4, in order to prevent the wire connection leading into the switch casing from contacting with metallic casing, and grounding on the same.

As shown, in Fig. 9, two spring contacts 17 are shown positioned within a recess 16 in the base of the switch, which is preferably molded of suitable insulating material.

Suitable meansis provided between the bent portions of the spring contact 1'7, to enable a circuit to be established and interrupted between such spring contacts.

As shown, a ratchet or star wheel 21 is provided having two pair of oppositely disposed points. A conductor 22 extends between the two faces of opposite points on one pair, so that a circuit will be established between the spring contacts when the star wheel is in the position indicated in Fig. 9, and the circuit will be interrupted between the spring contact 17 when the star wheel is turned so that the spring contacts are in contact with the next adjacent oppositely disposed pair of points.

Suitable mechanism is provided for rotating the star wheel by pulling the chain 3. Suitable means is also provided for enabling the chain 3 to be retracted after having been pulled out so that successive pulling of the chain 3 will successively and alternately make and break the switch circuit.

In order to accomplish this result, suitable means are provided for converting the oscillating movement of the chain into intermittent rotary movement of the star wheel 21. For this purpose, a suitable mechanism is provided for obtaining intermittent oscillating rotary movement of a plate 23 to which one end of the pull chain is connected. A coil spring 24 is provided for returning the plate 23 to its normal position, after the chain 3 has been pulled to either establish or interrupt the switch circuit.

One end of the coil spring engages a portion of the plate 23, and the other end of the spring engages or is fixed upon a plate 25 retained in a fixed position relative to the plate 23, so that the tension of the spring 24 is increased and diminished as the plate 23 is alternately oscillated from time to time by pulling the chain 3. The ends of the spring 24 may be fixed in their respective positions on the plates 23 and 25 in various ways. As shown, the end of the spring 26 which engages the plate 23 is bent and is hooked upon a portion of the plate 23, and the other end 2'7 of the spring is also bent and is hooked over or engages a lip 28 of the plate 25. In order to hold the plate 25 in relatively fixed position when the plate 23 is rotated, means is provided for mounting the plate on a shaft or pin 29 in such manner as to prevent relative rotation of the plate upon the shaft 29. For this purpose, one end 30 of the shaft 29 is square and fits into a correspondingly shaped aperture 31 in the plate 25. The square portion 30 of the shaft 29, also is seated in a correspondingly shaped aperture 32 formed in the cap 5 so that the shaft is held against rotary movement. A suitable stop 33 in the form of a shoulder is provided on the shaft to limit the axial movement of the shaft 29. The shaft 29 extends between the cap 5 and the base 15, the opposite end 34 of the shaft being received in an aperture 35 in the base (see Figs. 12-13). The shaft 29 serves as a guide or axis about which the star wheel and the plate 23 rotate, the shaft also serving as a means for maintaining the various moving parts of the switch in alignment and in proper relative position.

The rotary movement of the plate 23, in one direction is transmitted to the star wheel 21 to effect the alternate establishing and interrupting of the circuit between the spring contacts 17, through a notched disc ratchet 36 which is provided with an aperture 37 through which the shaft 29 passes, and about which shaft the notched ratchet disc 36 rotates as an axis. The ratchet disc 33 is provided with four notches or recesses 38 in its periphery, to form two pair of oppositely disposed projecting cam surfaces corresponding to the arrangement of two pair of points in the star wheel 21.

A collar or hub 39 is formed integral with the disc 36 and projects from one side thereof. An aperture 40 (see Fig. 9) is formed in the star wheel 21 having a shape corresponding to the collar 39, 1;,

which fits in the aperture 40 in the star wheel so that upon rotation of the notched disc 36, the star wheel 21 will also be rotated. As shown, the hub portion 39 of the disc 36 and the aperture 49 are square. The notched disc 36 and the hub 39 are formed integral with each other and are preferably formed of sheet metal. A disc cover 41, preferably of insulating material is interposed between the star wheel 21 and the notched disc 36, as more clearly shown in Fig. 14. The cover 41 serves to cover and protect the spring contacts and other parts in the recess of the base. Preferably, a square shaped aperture 42 is formed in the disc 41 in order to receive the correspondingly shaped hub 39, so that the disc 41 also rotates with the disc 36 and star wheel 21. A shoulder 43 is preferably provided on the shaft 29, in order to determine the position of the assembled unit as shown in Fig. 14 comprising the star wheel 21, the insulating disc 41 and the notched disc 36. rotary movement in one direction of the plate 23 is transmitted to the notched disc 36, disposed directly below the plate 23 by a projecting detent or pawl 44 which projects from the plate 23 and engages one of the faces, such for example as 45 (see Figs. 11-13) of the notches on the disc 36 so that the star wheel is rotated a distance either to establish or interrupt the circuit. The plate 23 is restored. to its first or normal position by the action of the spring 24, but in the return movement of the plate to its first position the plate 23 does not carry with it 'the disc 36 as the plate 23, on its return movement, is shifted somewhat axially upon the shaft 29 and the projecting pawl 44 slides over the next succeeding projection on the notched disc 36 and the detent 44 after riding through such projection drops down into functioning engagement withthe shoulder 45 (see Figs. 11-13) on the next succeeding projecting portion of the notched disc. I

The various parts of the switch are shown in their proper assembled relation, in Figf23' just previously to the cap 5, being-drawn down upon the base 15, by the threaded terminal post 14.

In assembling the switch in order to obtain-the proper initial tension in the spring'24, the'posts 14 may be withdrawn and the plate- 23 held in relatively fixed position, while theshaft 29- on which the plate 25 is mounted, is .rotated a desired amount to obtain the proper sprin'g tension. -A convenient manner in which this .rotation'may be effected is to rotate the cap in which the shaft is mounted while the base andv the plate 23 are held in relatively fixed position. Such an arrangement makes a very convenient and desirable way of adjusting the spring tension in the assembly of the switch. The screw posts 14 may then be inserted and screwed into position to hold the base and cap in proper assembled relation.

Where one preferred form of the invention has been shown and described for purposes of illustration, it is understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention if within the limits of the appended claims.

What I therefore claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a switch of the character described, a casing open at the top and having an outlet for the pull chain on one side, a switch assembly comprising lower and upper insulating plates having switch mechanism mounted therebetween, the upper insulating plate being substantially the same shape but slightly larger than the top opening in the casing, said switch assembly disposed in said casing whereby said upper insulating plate rests upon the edge of said open top with the outer edge substantially flush with the outside of the casing forming a cap therefor, and means for retaining said assembly in said casmg.

2. In a switch of the character described, a switch assembly comprising lower and upper in sulating plates, said lower plate having a recessed portion therein, spacing lugs between the plates extending from said upper plate and integral therewith, a switch mechanism mounted between said plates having contact points mounted in said recessed portion of said lower plate, a substantially cup-shaped casing for said switch assembly slightly smaller than the upper plate, and means for retaining said assembly in said casing whereby said top insulating plate serves as a cap for said switch, and means extending .through said casing for operating the switch mechanism.

3. In a switch of the character described, a casing having a side wall and an integral bottom wall forming a general cup shape, a switch as- .sembly comprising a frame having upper and lower insulating plates, spacing lugs between the plates formed of insulating material, metallic terminal posts molded in said lugs, stationary contact points carried by one of said plates, means for securing said lower plate to said spacing lugs which saidmeans alsoserves as aconductor between said terminal-posts andsaid stationary contacts,- said assembly disposed in said casing in a'positionwhereby said upper insulating plate restsupon the top'edge of said casing forming a cap therefor, and meansfor retaining saidassembly therein; q 4. .In-a switch of the character described, a switch assembly comprisinga frame having upper and lower insulating plates; spacing lugs between the-plates formed of insulating material, terminal plates having an offset angular portion, Ysaid offset portion being molded in-said lug whereby the face of saidterminal plate is flush with the outside of the spacing lug, means including a plurality of screws for securing said lower insulating plate to the. spacing lugs, a recessed portion inv saidlower plate, stationary spring. contacts mounted in said recessed portion with said screws serving as 'a conductor between said'spring contacts=.-and' said terminal plates, a rotatable bridging contact mounted between said stationary contacts for intermittently making and breaking a circuit, a generally cupshaped casing, means for retaining said switch assembly in said casing, and means extending through said casing for operating the bridging contact.

5. In a switch of the character described, a casing having a side wall and an integral bottom wall forming a general cup shape, a switch assembly comprising a frame having upper and lower insulating plates, spacing lugs of insulating material extending from said upper plate and integral therewith, terminal plates moldably secured in said spacing lugs, means including a plurality of screws for securing said lower insulating plate to the spacing lugs, a recessed portion in said lower plate, stationary spring contacts mounted in said recessed portion with said screws serving as a conductor between said spring contacts and said terminal plates, a bridging contact rotatably mounted between said stationary contacts for intermittently making and breaking a circuit, said switch assembly disposed in said casing in a manner whereby said upper insulating plate rests upon the edge of the open top of said casing, with the outer edge of the plate substantially flush with the outside of the casing forming a cap therefor, and means extending through the casing for operating the bridging contact.

6. In an electric pull chain switch, a generally cup-shaped casing having an open top, a frame for mounting in the casing having lower and upper insulating plates with said upper plate forming a cover for the opening in the casing, switch mechanism comprising a shaft rigidly supported in the plates, a contact bridging member rotatable on the shaft, a disc ratchet carried on the shaft above the bridging member to actuate the same and separated therefrom by an insulating disc, a pull-chain carrying plate rotatable on said shaft and having a protruding lug for engaging the disc ratchet, and a coiled spring surrounding the shaft connected at one end to the chain-carrying plate and anchored adjacent the top insulating plate at the other end cooperating to return the chain-carrying plate after forward movement thereof.

7. In an electric switch an open top cup-shaped casing substantially oval in cross-section and having an integral protruding portion at each end thereof for receiving conductors for said switch, an insulating lining fitting within the casing having an upwardly extending ear adapted to lay over the upper edge of the protruding portion to provide insulation between that edge and the conductors, a switch mechanism carrying-frame for mounting in the casing having an insulating top member serving as a cover therefor, a terminal post at each end of the frame, and a recessed portion at each end of the insulating top member corresponding to the protruding portion of the casing to permit insertion of a conductor for fastening to the terminal post.

8. In an electric pull chain switch, a generally cup-shaped casing having an open top, a switch assembly including a top insulating member, a lower insulating member, and spacing posts for said members integral with said top member, a terminal member mounted in each spacing post, circuit interrupting mechanism carried in the lower insulating member, means extending from the lower insulating member upwardly through each spacing post in a manner to contact a terminal member and the interrupting mechanism and secure said lower member to the spacing posts, with said assembly positioned in said casing in a manner whereby said top insulating member serves to close the same, and a. pull chain secured to the interrupting mechanism coming out from the side of said assembly, intermediate said terminal and extending thru an aperture in the side of said casing. adapted for movement for actuating the switch.

9. In an electric pull chain switch, a cup-shaped casing having an open top and oppositely disposed protruding portions on the sides of said casing, a switch assembly for mounting in said casing including a top insulating member positioned to close said casing, a lower insulating member, insulating spacing posts between said upper and lower members corresponding with the protruding portions in the casing, a terminal member mounted on the side of each post whereby an electrical conductor may be extended through the protruding portion to the terminal for connection therewith, and circuit interrupting mechanism carried by the insulating members for operation of the switch.

' SAMUEL L. SNEIERSON. 

